Orange Shirt Day has been recognized in Manitoba since 2017. The orange shirt is a symbol of remembrance for Indian Residential School Survivors which originated with the experience of Phyllis Webstad of the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. She shared her story of how her new orange shirt was taken away from her on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Indian Residential School, leaving her feeling worthless and insignificant.
Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) call for a national day of remembrance as a way for Canadians to publicly commemorate the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools and the resilience of Indian Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities.
To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Manitoba Museum will be hosting its second annual Orange Shirt Days with special all-day programming and free admission from Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, provided with the support of the Province of Manitoba.
Programming in the Museum Galleries will be focused on the history of Indian Residential Schools and the TRC Calls to Action. The Museum was humbled by visitors’ earnest response to last year’s event and looks forward to providing an opportunity for visitors to learn, reflect, and respond to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools as part of our collective journey towards Reconciliation.
“I felt inspired, educated, and ready to take what I have learned and apply it to environments around me (family, friends, work, etc.)”
– 2021 Orange Shirt Days participant
Visitors will follow a self-guided tour through the Museum Galleries to discover many exhibits relevant to the history of Indian Residential Schools and the TRC Calls to Action. Along the way they will hear Indigenous voices and perspectives in videos from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Finally, at the Manitoba Cares station, visitors will share their thoughts and make their own commitments to take action for Reconciliation.
There will be special showings in the Planetarium of Legends of the Northern Sky, which features two stories that exemplify how the Indigenous people of North America connect with the night sky in fundamental ways that resonate with their world. Visitors will also have access to hands-on experiences in the Science Gallery.
Join us for a time of learning, reflection, and response.
Three days of free admission to all areas from September 30 to October 2. No tickets required.